Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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TITL,E F THE INVENTION
LADDER STAND WITH PLATFORM HOIST AND
METHOD OF ASSEMBLING SAME
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTYON
Field Of The Invention
The present invention generally relates to platforms for participating in
activities or
working in a raised position relative to the ground. More particularly, the
present invention
relates to ladder stand structures having a platform which may be secured in a
plurality of
positions as the platform is raised or lowered and to an enhanced method of
assembling such
ladder stand structures.
Discussion of the Prior Art
Through the years, many devices have been developed to be able to partake in
recreation
or work at levels above the ground surface. The devices have taken several
different forms and
typically have been used for activities such as hunting or bird watching from
towers or trees, cr
perfnrming maintenance, such as on telephone, cable television or electrieal
equipment, mounted
on utility poles, or on other structures such as municipal lamp posts.
Within the various prior art devices, there generally are three different
types. First, there
are structures that resemble tripods or towers designed to stand alone on the
ground in an open
space. Such structures tend to be quite bulky and heavy, given that they must
independently
provide sufficient stability. They also tend not to provide the sense of
camouflage desired by
hunters or bird watchers, because they often are not immediately adjacent a
tree.
Second, there are devices designed to be used in cIimbing a vertically
standing columnar
structure, such as a tree or pole. These devices tend to take two general
forms, the first of which
are known as a climbing harness or tree stand. Within the category of climbing
harnesses or tree
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stands, the devices arc used to both climb and remain suspended during the
desired elevated
activity. For instance, such devices utilize a climbing harness, by which the
user is able to
repeatedly reposition the harness relative to a vertically standing columnar
structure in order to
ascend or descend, and then may remain suspended for a period of time. The
climbing harnesses
also may be used by utility workers to scale utility poles and then work on
telephone, cable or
power lincs. The hamesses may include tree stands, which are more often used
by hunters to
climb a tree, and then to construct a perch which extends substantially
horizontally outward from
the tree and upon which the hunter may sit or stand to conduct hunting
activities. Such climbing
harnesses or tree stands require significant strength and mobility to use and
inherently tend to be
on the minimal side in regard to providing surface or working area, support
and safety features.
Third, there are deviees which are commonly known as ladder stands. Ladder
stands
typically include both a ladder portion and a seat or platform portion. Prior
art ladder stands
generally are intended to be assembled in one of two ways. The first method of
assembly
involves assembling ladder seations while the sections are laying on the
ground. A seat or
platform is attached near the end of the ladder that will be at the top when
the ladder stand is
erected. The bottom of the ladder is then placed near a tree. The very top-
heavy structure then
must be brought to an upright position so as to be leaned against the tree.
Unfortunately, with
the seat or platform attached to the upper end of the ladder, the device is
quite difficult to handle
and generally requires a few individuals to be able to raise the device and to
eventually strap the
device to the tree. Even with a few individuals, it can prove challenging to
attempt to lean such a
device against a tree, hold it steady and then send an individual up the
unsecured ladder to tie the
upper end of the device to the tree. Also, some of these devices are
constructed in such a way
that the user must climb the ladder, and then climb from the ladder around a
protruding platform
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to arrive atop the platforxn portion. Maneuvering to gain access to the perch
on such devices can
be less than comforting. Prior art ladder stands further tend to be
constructed of narrow, painted
square tubing, which does not provide adequate traction for ladder rung tread
surfaces.
In a second method of assombly, prior art ladder stands often are assembled by
building
the ladder vertically, one section at a time. In this way, a user may attach a
first ladder section to
a tree. Then, the user must lift a second ladder section and carry it upward
while climbing the
first section. The user then must stack the second section atop the first
section, and while
attempting to hold onto the ladder, the user then must secure the second
ladder section to the
tree. This stacking method is repeated to build a ladder of the desired
height. Unfortunately, the
user tends to be placed in difficult positions because the user must attempt
to climb and hold
onto the ladder while also litting the next Iadder section and attempting to
join the sections and
secure them to the tree. In addition, the user then must carry up the ladder a
seat or platform and
again, while trying to hold onto the ladder, attach the seat or pl.atform to
the tree.
Both prior art methods of assembling a laddar stand are time consuming,
inconvenient
and present many opportunities for accidents or injuries. In fact, it is
believed that most injuries
to hunters using ladder stands occur due to falls. No greater issue faces the
tree stand industry
than the issue of hunter safety. Falls from tree stands occur frequently and
the resulting injuries
can be severe or even fatal. While the industry has made attempts to address
such safety issues,
most of the solutions offered have serious shortcomings. Indeed, it is still
common for falls to
occur when the user is assembling or disassembling the ladder stand, or while
ascending or
descending the ladder. Such injuries are further facilitated because with the
prior art devices, the
user is not secured to the ladder or tree while assembling the ladder stand or
while initially
climbing or descending the ladder. Rather, it is common for the user only to
tie off to the tree
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once the user has the ladder stand fully assembled and erected, and has
climbed to the top of the
device.
Despite the variety of prior art devices, there exists a need for enhanced
ladder stand
devices for use by hunters and workers in elevated positions relative to a
ground surface. It is
desirable that such devices may be quickly and conveniently assembled and
moved to a position
for use adjacent a secure, substantially vertical columnar sttucture, such as
a tree or a pole. It is
further advantageous that the devices include a ladder assembly and a
platfoixn assembly and that
they be constructed in a manner so as to be easily and safely assembled and
erected by an
individual user. It is desirable that the ladder assembly be relatively light
weight for
transportation purposes, and include adjustable standoffs so as to permit
placement adjacent to a
substantially vertical columnar structure whilc providing contact at various
points along the
ladder assembly despite the columnar structure having some deviations, such as
are common in a
tree trunk. It is further desirable that the ladder assembly be constructed in
a manner using light
weight ladder stiles, and light weight rungs which enhance the rigidity of the
ladder, while
providing increased tread surface engagement.
Given the shortcomings in the prior art, it also is desitable that the devices
include means
to securely ascend and descend the ladder assembly, as well as have convenient
access to a
platform assembly. In this respect, it is desirable that the device have a
hoist system to be able to
raise the platform assembly while the user stands seaarely on the ground
surface. It is further
desirable that the platform assembly have a trolley portion that interacts
with the ladder assembly
to maintain engagement between the ladder and platform assemblies. It would be
advantageous
that the platform assembly be pivotable and have supports to place it in a
position for use which
is substantially perpendicular to the ladder assembly. It would be still
further advantageous for
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the platform assembly to have an opening to allow the user to pass through the
platform
assembly while ascending the ladder. It also is desirable that such devices
additionally have a
plurality of working assembly heights, so as to be able to perch at different
heights relative to the
ground for hunting, working or other activities. It also would be advantageous
for the ladder
stand to include safety systems to permit the user to be connected at all
times to the ladder stand
and to support the user in the event of a fall. It is desirable that such
safety systems would
include a harness to be worn by the user which permits normal movement in
ascending and
descending the ladder assembly wbile securing the user to the ladder assembly.
It also would be
desirable that such safety systems would include a retractable, fall arresting
safety belt attachable
to the user's harness which would permit relatively free movement while atop
the platform
assembly and enable the user thereafter to ascend and descend the ladder
assembly while
continuously eonnected to the fall arresting safety belt.
The present invention addresses shortcomings in prior art devices developed to
be used
for recreation or work at levels above the ground surface, while providing in
various
combinations many or all of the above mentioned desirable features.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The purpose and advantages of the invention will be set forth in and apparent
from the
description and drawings that follow, as well as will be learned by practice
of the invention.
The present invention is generally embodied in a ladder stand assetnbly that
is modular in
construction and may be safely and conveniently assembled by a single person.
The ladder stand
assembly combines a ladder assembly and a platform assembly with the platform
assembly
engaging the ladder assembly and being movable to an elevated position for
use. The ladder
stand assembly of the present invention has numerous desirable features that
overcome
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shortconlings in prior art ladder stand assemblies, as well as an advantageous
method of
assembly.
In a first aspect of the invention, a ladder assembly is provided that has at
least one
ladder section, and the ladder section includes two spaced apart,
substantially parallel stiles and a
plurality of spaced apart ntngs spanning between and connected to the
respective two spaced
apart atiles. Each rung of the ladder assembly has a configuration that
further includes at least a
tread portion, a rear support porkion connected to the tread portion and
connected to the stiles,
and a front portion connected to the tread portion and having two pair of
separate spaced apart
tab porkions with each pair being connected to a different one of the
respective stiles.
In a fiuther aspect of the invention, a ladder stand assembly is provided that
has a ladder
assembly and a platform assembly, where the platform assembly further includes
a trolley
assembly having a frame substantially parallel to the ladder assembly and
being pivotally
connected to a deck assembly. The trolley assembly slidably engages the ladder
assembly and is
configured to be hoisted upward and along the ladder assembly, and the
platform assembly has a
looking assembly to adjust the position of the platform assembly relative to
the ladder assernbly.
In another aspect of the invention, a ladder stand assembly is provided that
has a ladder
assembly and a platform assembly, with the platform assembly being removably
connectable to
the ladder assembly and adjustable to a plurality of positions along the
length of the ladder
assembly. The platfbrm assembly finther includes a deck assembly having a deck
surface and an
opening in the deck surface coverable by a door assembly, wherein the door
asscmbly is movable
between a closed position and an open position to pertttit access to the deck
surface through the
opening.
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In still another aspect of the invention, a ladder assembly is provided that
has at Ieast one
ladder section having a length and a plurality steps located in a first plane
and a plurality of
spacer assemblies arranged along the length of the ladder section and
extending away from the
first plane. Each spacer assembly further includes a pair of pivotally
adjustable arms movable to
at least two positions in which the arms are oriented in crossed
configurations relative to each
other, wherein each arm intersects the respective path of the other arm and
the two positions
establish at least two spacer adjustment settings having different distances
between first plane
and the intersection of the crossed arms.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a ladder assembly is provided with a
fall arrest
system that includes a user climbing harness having at least one tether line
extending from the
harness and having a fastener at the distal end of the tether line. The ladder
assembly further
includes at least one ladder section, the ladder section further including at
least one ladder stile
and a plurality of spaced apart ladder steps connected to the at least one
ladder stile. The at least
one ladder section has a length and further includes fastener engaging
positions along its length
that receive at least one tether line fastener, and the user wearing the
climbing harness is able to
engage the at least one tether line fastener with successive fastener engaging
positions on the at
least one ladder section while ascending or descending the ladder section.
In and additional aspect of the invention, a method of assembling a ladder
stand assembly
is provided where the method includes the steps of connecting a plurality of
ladder sections
having spacer assemblies and steps to form a ladder assembly having a length
along a ground
surface, making preliminary adjustments to the spacer assemblies on the ladder
assembly,
connecting binding assemblies to the ladder assembly to permit connection to a
columnar
structure, moving the ladder assembly from along the ground surface to a
relatively vertical
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position immediately adjacent the columnar structure, binding the ladder
assembly to the
columnar structure with the binding assemblies that are reachable by a user
from the ground
surface, climbing the ladder assembly while removably connecting a hamess worn
by the user to
the ladder assembly to reaoh successively higher binding positions and to
further bind the ladder
to the columnar structure at all successively higher positions, descending the
ladder assembly,
connecting to the ladder assembly a platform assembly having a trolley
assembly pivotally
connected to a deck assembly and slidably engaged with the ladder assembly,
hoisting the
platform assembly to a desired height corresponding to a height of ane of the
steps, climbing the
ladder assembly and pivoting the deck assembly relative to the trolley
assembly and connecting
at least one support mechanism to maintain one or more angular positions of
the deck assembly
relative to the trolley assetnbly, adjusting the support mechanism to achieve
a desired angular
position of the deck assembly relative to the trolley assembly, and separately
binding the
platform assembly to the columnar structure with a binding assembly.
Thus, the present invention presents an alternative to the prior art raised
platform devices
and methods of assembling them. It also simplifies the assembly of the
components to permit a
single person to assemble and erect an entire ladder stand safely and without
assistance.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the
following
detailed description are exemplary and provided for purposes of explanation
only, and are not
restrictive of the invention, as claimcd. Further features and objects of the
present invention will
become more fully apparent in the following description of the preferred
embodiments and from
the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In describing the prefcr,red embodiments, reference is made to the
accompanying drawing
figures wherein like p tsar have like reference numerals, and wherein:
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FIG. I is a perspective view of a user joining sections of a ladder assembly
of a first
embodiment consistent with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a spacer assembly of a binding system and a
more detailed
view of a tread of the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a user having donned a safety harness and
positioning the
ladder assembly of the first embodiment adjacent the basc of a tree.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a user raising the ladder assembly of the
first embodiment
into a substantially vercical position against the tree.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a user engaging a binding system of the first
embodiment
to connect the ladder assembly to the tree.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a user tethered to the ladder assembly by a
safety haraess
consistent with the present invention and after having completed the
connection of the ladder
assenibly to the tree.
p'IG. 6A is a perspective view of an alternative eyelet formed along the
inside surface of a
stile which may be used to tether a user to the ladder assembly.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the user preparing to connect a trolley
portion of a
platform assembly to the ladder assembly of the first embodiment, adjacent the
ground surface.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a user hoisting the platform assembly up the
ladder
assembly of the first embodiment, to attain a desired elevated platform
position.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a user pivoting the platform portion relative
to the trolley
portion and moving a support rod assembly of the first embodiment to a support
position.
FIG. 10 is a perspective of a user passing through an opening in the platform
portion of
the first embodiment.
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FIG. I 1 is a perspective view of an assembled ladder stand of the first
embodiment.
FIG. 11 A is a closer perspective view of a level connected to the platform
assembly.
FIG. 12 is a side view of a support element for a deck assembly.
FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the adjustment mechanism for the support
element
shown in FIG. 12.
FIG. 12B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an adjustment
mechanism for the support element shown in FIG. 12.
FIG, 13 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a support elernent
which uses an
adjustable, folding support rod.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the adjustable, folding support rod shown in
FIG. 13 but
with a collar shown in phantom in a locking position.
FIG. 15 is a front view of a double seat assembly installed on a ladder stand
consistent
with the invention.
FIG. 16 is a simplified perspective view of an altemative embodiment of a
platform
assembly, with two separate doors and the platform portion pivoted downward
relative to and
having the outer edge hanging from a portion of a frame of an alternative
trolley assembly.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a schematic representation of an altemative
embodiment
of a ladder assembly that has pivotally connected sections and an optional
wheel assembly for
case of transporting the ladder stand.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a simplified portion of a further alternative
embodiment
of a ladder stand having a single, central vertical stile or ladder rail.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the altemative embodiment shown in FIG. 18
with a seat
provided and a more complete platform having a sliding door assembly.
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FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a seat assembly for attachment to a ladder
assembly of
the first embodiment.
It should be understood that the drawings are not to scale and provide
examples involving
ladder stand assemblies that may be constructed in many diffenmt ways while
still being
consistent with the scope and spirit of the present invention. While some
mechanical details of a
ladder stand assembly, and other plan and section views of the particular
components, are not
shown, such details are considered well within the comprehension of those
skilled in the art in
light of the present disclosure. It also should be understood that the present
invention is not
limited to the preferred embodiments illustrated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring generally to FIGS. 1-20, the ladder stand of the present invention
provides
numerous highly advantageous features and may be embodied in various
configurations. It will
be appreciated that the ladder stand of the present invention is essentially
modular in
construction and intended for convenient and safe installation by a single
person. Regardless of
the particular embodiment chosen, in general., the system combines a ladder
assembly and a
platform assembly. The platform assembly engages the ladder assembly and may
be moved
relative to ladder assembly to an elevated position for use.
As seen in reference to the first embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1-12, a ladder
stand 10 is
constru.cted of a ladder assembly 12 and a platform assembly 14. Ladder
assembly 12 preferably
is constructed of multiple ladder sections, wluch are shown by example as
three ladder sections
16, 18, 20. It will be appreciated that the ladder assembly may be constructed
of one or more
sections, each of any desired and practical length. In the preferred
embodiment, the ladder
sections 16, 18, 20 are shown as being five feet in length, primarily for ease
of transportation and
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handling, With such a modular design, multiple ladder sections may be
connected together to
attain an appropriate usable height, with the potential of attaining
significant elevated positions.
In the preferred embodiment, each ladder section is constructed of a pair of
outer rails or
stiles 30, and a series of steps or rungs 32. While the preferred embodiment
employs circular
steel tubing for stiles 30, alternative shapes and materials may be used. For
instance, it is
desirable that the ladder stiles be relatively rigid, thus one may use
materials such as other
metals, plastics, resin-based products, or the like. In particular, for
utility service applications,
the non-conductive properties of plastics may be highly desirable. Also,
various stile
configurations, such as circular or square tubing, I-beam or channel sections,
or other custom
configurations may be suitable, as well as the use of a single central stile
or spine member, as
shown by example and described further below in relation to FIGS. 18 and 19.
Rungs 32 are shown as having a unique and advantageous cross-shaped
configuration of
a front face or portion 33. The cross shape minimizes material use while
providing a broad
mounting pattern by using a pair of upper and lower tabs 34 on each side. The
increased front
face length and connection points allow for enhanced connection to the stiles,
whether by
welding or fasteners. This, in turn, reduces ladder weight and provides
increased rigidity of each
rung, as well as of the ladder in general. This unique type of rung also
includes a rear support
portion 35, and provides a larger upper surface or tread portion 36. The
larger surface of tread
portion 36 permits unique tread patterns to be cut or pressed into the upper
surface of each rung,
as shown by example in more detail in FIG. 2 where in forming a slot 37, the
metal is pressed
upward, resulting in edges 39 which provide enhanced traction. For simplicity,
the other views
of rungs 32 will be shown without slot 37 and edges 39. In the preferred
embodiment, rungs 32
are constructed of stamped sheet steel. However, as with the ladder stiles 30,
it will be
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appreciated that alternative configurations, including more standard tubular
rungs, and various
materials may be used for stamping, molding or otherwise forming steps or
nangs.
The ladder sections may be joined in numerous ways. For instance, F1G. 1
represents
two joining structures. First, stile ends 38 could be formed by fixedly
attaching inserts, such as
short pieces of smaller diameter tubing, in the upper ends of stiles 30 of
middle ladder section
18, such as by fasteners, adhesives or the like. Alternatively, stile ends 38
of middle ladder
section 18 may simply have a necked down, reduced diameter portions of stiles
30. By use of
either of such smaller diameter stile ends 38, middle ladder section 18 may be
conveniently
joined to upper ladder section 20 by slidably engaging smaller diameter stile
ends 38 with
corresponding open lower ends 40 of the stiles 30 of upper ladder section 20.
Lower ladder
section 16 and middle ladder section 18 may be joined in a similar manner. It
will be
appreciated that there may be many ditferent sectioned ladder configmtions,
and even an
alternative folding Iadder configuration, as is schematically shown in FIQ, 17
may be used with a
ladder having other desirable features of the present invention. Thus, the
ladder sections of the
first embodiment may be pivotally connected by couplings 22, and an axle 24
and wheels 26
may be connected to at least one ladder section in various ways for ease of
transporting Ee.dder
stand 10.
The ladder assembly of the present invention also may incorporate safety
systems to
permit the user to climb up and down the ladder while being safely tethered to
the ladder to
prevent falls. To do so, the user dons a safety harness 42, which may be of
various
configurations, but which should be able to suspend the user by a safety line
attached to the
harness. The preferred embodirnent employs two different safety systems that
are particularly
advantageous.
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With respect to the first safety system, each rung 32 has a pair of slots or
holes 44 toward
the outer ends of tread portion 36. Holes 44 have multiple uses in this
embodiment, one of
which is with respect to the first safety system. In particular, harness 42
has a pair of safety linc.s
46 connected to and extending from the sides of harness 42, with each safety
line 46 having a
hook 48 at its distal end. Safety lines 46 are shown as a length of rope, but
may be constructed
of any suitable flexible material, such as rope, cable, webbing, chain or the
like. To ensure the
user is never in danger of falling to the ground once on ladder assembly 12,
while the user is
ascending or descending ladder assembly 12, the user may place each hook 48 in
successive rung
holes 44 while passing from one rung to the next. For example, as shown in
FIG. 6, hooks 48 are
engaged in holes 44 in a rung 32 that is four positions higher than the rung
on which the user is
standing. This first safety system provides the ability for the user to remove
the user's hands
from ladder assembly 12 and lean back into tethored harness 42, to free the
user's hands for other
tasks, as needed. It will be appreciated that altemative connecting structures
may be used for
hooks 48, as well as for the hook receiving connectors and locations on ladder
assembly 12. One
example is shown in FIG. 6A, where an eyelet 50 is formed on the inner wall of
a stile 30 by
welding a steel rod portion to the stile. Such free standing eyelets 50 would
permit use of hooks
48 or alternatively, self-locking clips.
From the position shown in FYG. 6, it will be appreciated that if the user
wanted to climb
upward from the position shown, the user would grasp a ladder stile or rung
and step upward to
the next higher rung, then move hook 48 to a hole 44 in the next higher rung
32 for each
respective side, and continue to repeat the process as the user climbs.
Alternatively, if the user
wished to descend, the user would grasp a ladder stile or rung, lean toward
the ladder so as to
slacken safety line 44, grasp a hook 48 and move it to a hole 44 in the next
lower rung 32, and
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then step downward to the next lower rung. This would be repeated with respect
to each side as
the user descends the ladder.
The second safety system also utilizes the user's safety harness 42, but
additionally
includes a fall arrest belt 52 and belt retractor 54. Belt 52 may be
constracted in various ways
and of any suitable material, and in the preferred embodiment, resembles a
safety belt that would
commonly be used in an automobile. However, belt 52 is considerably longer, so
as to be able to
be reach the ground and a reasonable perimeter around ladder stand 10, and
includes a connector
53 to connect to the user's harness 42. Belt retractor 54 is of a commercially
available type, such
as are sold by Integrated Safety Systems, which uses a catch mechanism that
responds to a
sudden movement, such as in the event of a fall, and stops rotation of the
spool on whioh belt 52
is wound. As seen in FIG. 4, belt retractor 54 preferably is connected to
ladder assembly 12 at a
cross bar 56. Cross bar 56 is mounted proximate the upper end of ladder
section 20. It will be
appreciated that belt retractor 54 may be connected to upper ladder section 20
in alternative
ways, such as by being connected to one of the rungs or stiles. Belt retractor
54 also may be
separately connected to the columnar structure or tree T as shown with a
separate belt assembly
55. In any event, once the user has installed ladder stand 10, as will be
discussed in greater detail
below, the user may climb to the top of the ladder assembly 12 and connect
fall arrest belt 52 to
the user's harness 42 with connector 53. The user then may move about in a
normal manner, and
may climb up and down the ladder and move within a predetermined distance of
the tree or other
vertical structure to which the ladder stand is connected. However, if at any
time belt 52 is
subjected to a rapid movement, such as when falling, belt retractor 54 will
prevent belt 52 from
extending further and thereby stop the user's fall.
CA 02549403 2006-05-08
To connect ladder assembly 12 to a columnar structure, such as a tree or pole,
ladder
assembly 12 incorporates a binding system 60 which utilizes adjustable stand-
off assemblies or
spacers 62. Spacers 62 are adjustable and are used to allow ladder assembly 12
to stand in a
relatively vertical position adjacent and contacting a tree or pole at various
points along the
height of ladder assembly 12. The adjustability of spacers 62 permit a user to
essentially place
ladder assembly 12 in a straight oricntation, which most commonly also would
be substantially
vertical or plumb, while engaging a tree that is not plumb or has slight
deviations in its trunk.
As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, a particular cross-bar configuration is
preferred for spacers
62. Spacers 62 have a pair of anns 64, each of which is pivotally connected to
a ladder stile 30
by a bracket 66 and fastener 68. Each arm has apertures 70 therethrough to
receive a locking pin
72. At any particular spacer 62 along the length of ladder assembly 12, the
distance between a
columnar structure, such as a tree, and ladder assembly 12 can be accounted
for, within a
reasonable range, by placement of pin 72 through the corresponding apertures
70 in anns 64.
Each pin 72 may be tethered to ladder assembly 12 for convenience, such as by
a wire. Also,
each pin 72 could be configured to use a structure in which pin 72 is a biased
toward an
engagement position, but able to be disengaged for adjustment purposes. When
spacers 62 are
not in a deployed position for use, they pivot to a compact storage position,
as shown in FIG. 1,
between stiles 30.
Spacers 62 play an important role in the binding system 60 for the user to be
able to
temporarily secure ladder assembly 12 to the columnar structure, such as tree
T. Arms 64 are
shown as being constructed of steel square tubing, with angled cuts to form
teeth 74. It will be
appreciated that alternative arm structures, such as of U-shaped channel, and
various materials
could be used. Also, alternative ways of establishing engagement surfaces may
be employed, as
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desired. For example, for a ladder assembly that is to be used for engaging a
tree, many different
roughed surfaces could be formed on arms 64. However, if for instance a ladder
assembly will
be used for engaging a concrete pole, then rubber pads or other suitable
materials may be
substituted fbr the engagement points along arms 64.
In addition, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, at the end of each arm 64 is a
slot 76 for
receipt of a hook 78 of an adjustable length flexible assembly 80. In the
preferred embodiment,
as shown in FIG. 5, adjustable length flexible assembly 80 is shown as a
commonly available
ratchet strap having a hook 78 at each end of strap portions 82 which engage a
ratchet
mechanism 84 to adjust the relative length of adjustable strap assembly 80
from end to end. In
this manner, a hook 78 is inserted in one slot 76 of a first arm 64 and the
strap portions 82 and
ratchet mechanism 84 are passed behind tree T to permit the hook 78 at the
opposite end to be
inserted into corresponding slot 76 in the other arm 64. Then, the user
manipulates ratchet
mechanism 84 in the commonly known manner to tighten adjustable length
flexible assembly 80
and thereby bind ladder assembly 12 to tree T at the respective spacer 60. One
of skill in the art
will appreciate that other binding systems and spacers may be used, and that
the adjustable
length flexible assembly 80 may utilize rope, cable, chain or other flexible
eIcments in place of
straps, and may be otherwise connected to ladder assembly 12 such as directly
to the rungs
and/or to one or more stiles.
Ladder stand 10 also includes a platform assembly 14 which ideally
incorporates
numerous advantageous features. In the example shown in the preferred
embodiment, platforrn
assembly 14 is constructed with a deck assembly 100 pivotally connected at
pivots 102 along an
upper portion of a trolley assembly 104. Deck assembly 100 includes an outer
frame 110, frame
rails 112 and decking 114 which forms an upper deck surface.
17
CA 02549403 2006-05-08
Trolley assembly 104 includes a frame 140 and is intended to engage Iadder
assembly 12
so as to permit the entire platform assembly 14 to be connected in sliding or
rolling engagement
with ladder assembly 12 while being moved up or down along stiles 30. In the
prefeired
embodiment, a pair of rollers 142 are rotatably mounted to rails 144 of
trolley frame 140, and a
second pair of rollers 146 are mounted to arm 148 which is pivotally mounted
at pivot 150. The
spacing between rollers 142 on rails 144 and rollers 146 on arm 148 is
selected so as to allow the
respective rollers 142, 146 to be parallel and roll along the outer surface of
the respective stiles
30 when platform assembly 14 is connected to ladder assembly 12. To removably
connect
trolley assembly 104 to stiles 30 of ladder assembly 12, arm 148 is pivoted to
permit the spacing
between rollers 142 and 146 to be temporarily increased, as shown in FIG. 7.
Arna 148 is biased
to the position of having rollers 146 Iie in a plane parallel to rollers 142
by use of a spring 152.
Upper stop 154 and lower stop 156 also may be used to limit the pivotal travel
of arm 148.
Trolley assembly 104 also has a pair of rung lock mechanisms 158 pivotally
mounted to
frame 140. Rung lock mechanisms 158 aTe spaced apart to so as to be in
alignment with holes 44
through tread portion 36 of rungs 32. Each rung lock mechanism 158 is adapted
to be able to
slide upward over the front face of a rung 32 and then move back downward to
engage a locking
tab 160 in a corresponding rung hole 44. This structure permits trolley
assembly 104 to be raised
and locked into position at each successive rung 32. Each nmg lock mechanism
158 also has a
pivotatly mounted blocking latch 162 which is biased toward locking tab 160.
When trolley
assembly 104 is being raised relative to ladder assembly 12, blocking latches
162 engage the face
of rungs 32 and are momentarily forced to pivot downward to an open position,
which permits
locking tabs 160 to engage rang holes 44. In contrast, when trolley assembly
104 is raised from
such a locked position to be sufficiently above a rung 32 to release blocking
latches 162, then
18
CA 02549403 2006-05-08
blocking latches 162 pivot toward a closed position and prevent locking tabs
160 from engaging
rung holes 44 as trolley assembly, and therewith platform assembly 14, are
lowered past
successive rungs 32.
As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, for a user to raise platform assembly 14 along
ladder
assembly 12, arm 148 on trolley assembly 104 is pivoted outward to permit
increased spacing
between rollers rollers 142 and 146. The platform assembly 14 is moved into
position to locate
the respective rollers along the outside surfaces of stiles 30, and then arm
148 is released.
Trolley assembly 104 is thereafter in sliding engagement relative to ladder
assembly 12. A
flexible element, such as rope 170 may be strung over a rotatable pulley 172
mounted by at least
one arm 174 and an axle 176 proximate the upper end of ladder assernbly 12.
This may be done
prior to erecting ladder assembly 12, or after the nser has completed the
binding of ladder
assembly 12 to the columnar structure, such as tree T. The flexible element
170 is then
connected to platform assembly 14, such as at a loop 178 on trolley frame 140.
It will be
appreciated that any flexible, relatively strong material, such as webbing,
cable, chain or the like,
may be used in place of rope 170, and although unnecessary for relatively
light weight platform
assemblies, it will be appreciated that one may utilize multiple pulleys for
enhanced mechanical
advantage by the well known method of employing a block and tackle
arrangement. In the
preferred embodiment shown, with rope 170 in place, the user may stand firmly
on the ground
and simply pull downward on rope 170 to raise platform assembly 14. As
platform assembly 14
is raised, it may be stopped and locked into any rung 32 by locking tabs 160.
Once platform assembly 14 is raised to a desired height, deck assembly 100 may
be
pivoted about pivots 102 from its essentially vertical position parallel and
adjacent to trolley
assembly 104 to a desired position, such as substantially horizontal, or
perpendicular to trolley
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CA 02549403 2006-05-08
assembly 104. In this manner, as shown in FIG. 9, deck assembly 100 may bc
moved to a
position roughly perpendicular to ladder assembly 12, or to another desired
angular position
relative thereto. In the preferred embodiment, deck assembly 100 is then
supported in the
desired position by moving a pair of support elements 180 into position. Such
support elements
are shown in various configurations in FIGS. 12, 12A, 12B, 13 and 14.
In FIGS. 9, 11 and 12, a support element 180 is shown as a two-piece,
adjustable gusset
assembly, including slidably engaged tube 182 and rod 184 having a plurality
of teeth 186. Tube
182 is pivotally connected to deck assembly 100 at pivot 188. Support elements
180 nest along
frame rails 112 of deck assembly 100 when platform assembly 14 is being raised
along ladder
assembly 12. When deck assembly 100 is pivoted to a use position, support
elements 180 may
be moved downward and to an angled position to support deck assembly 100. When
each
support element 180 is pivoted downward, toothed rod 184 may be slidably
extended from tube
182, and the end of toothed rod 184 is inserted into a slot 190 in trolley
frame 140. Once placed
into slot 190, a pin 192, which is shown in FIG. 12 preferably with a cable
for convenience, may
be place through apertures in trolley frame 140 and the distal end of toothed
rod 184 to secure
support element 180 in place.
As best seen in FIGS. 12 and 12A, each support element 180 also includes a
locking lever
194 with a single tooth 196 that will engage the teeth 186 of rod 184. Loeking
lever 194 is
pivotally mounted at pivot 198 between flanges 200 which are connected to tube
182. Locking
lever 194 also is biased, such as by a coil spring 202, to a position of
engagement between tooth
196 and the teeth 186 of toothed rod 184. With this structure, once support
element 180 is
secured with pin 192, deck assembly 100 may be pivoted upward to a final
desired use position.
During this pivoting of deck assembly 100, toothed rod 184 is automatically
extended from tube
CA 02549403 2006-05-08
182 to reach a final support position. For ease of use in establishing the
angular position of deck
assembly 100 relative to the ground surface, a leve1204 is mounted as shown in
FIG. 11A along
a fratne rail 112. Level 204 is preferably of the common bubble sight type and
may be fixedly or
removably mounted essentially anywhere along the understructure of deck
assembly 100.
However, to be most effective, level 204 should be mounted so as to be
conveniently viewed by
the user when standing on ladder assembly 12 below deck assembly 100. Also,
leve1204
preferably should be oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis through
pivots 102 and in a
plane parallel to that of the upper surface of deck assembty 100_
An alternative support element 280 is shown in FIG. 12B. In this alternative,
a similar
tube 282 and toothed rod 284 are used, and a locking lever 294 is pivotally
mounted at a pivot
298 between flanges 300. However, locking lever 294 is biased by a leaf spring
element 302,
and an auxiliary cabled safety pin 304 is provided which maybe inserted
through apertures 306
in flanges 300, between locking lever 294 and tube 282, to block movernent of
locking lever 294.
This added safety pin 304 prevents any movement of deck assembly 100 in the
event of
inadvertent contact with locking lever 294.
A further alternative embodiment of a support element 380 is shown in FIGS. 13
and 14.
In this alternative, a U-shaped channel 382 is pivotally connected at an upper
end to deck
assembly 100 at pivot 388, and at a lower end to a first bar 384 at pivot 398.
First bar 384 is, in
tun-, connected to a second bar 384' via a turn buckle assembly 394 which
includes threaded
rods 400 fixedly mounted into the opposed ends of first and second bars 384,
384', and
adjustment handle 396. The opposite end of second bar 384' is pivotally
mounted along side of a
frame rail of trolley frame 140, at pivot 392, Alternative support element 380
folds at pivot 398,
to effectively fold in half as turn buckle assembly 394 and bars 384 and 384'
nest inside of U-
21
CA 02549403 2006-05-08
shaped channel 382. Thus, when deck assembly 100 is folded downward to be
adjacent trolley
frame 140, support element 380 is able to nest along and between frame rails
of deck assembly
100 and trolley frame 140.
When deck assembly 100 is pivoted upward toward a use position, folded support
element 380 may be moved downward near its center, so that U-shaped channel
382 and the
lower bar and tum buckle assembly 394 may be pivoted at pivot 398 to attain an
extended
position. In this extended position, handle 396 of turn buckle asscmbly 394
may be rotated to
adjust the angle of deck assembly 100. After achieving the desired angular
position of deck
assembly 100, a collar 402 is slidably moved to a locking position over pivot
398 and turn buckle
handle 396, until it reaches a stop protrusion 404 on bar 384', as shown in
phantom in FIG. 14.
This locking position of collar 402 prevents inadvertent folding or other
adjustment of support
element 380.
To enhance the safety of a user in moving from ladder assembly 12 to the
platform
assembly 14, platform assembly 14 also incorporates a door assembly 120, as
shown in FIG. 10.
Door assembly 120 may incorporate a number of different structures. These
structures may
include single or multiple doors, which pivot, slide or lift out of their
normal use position so as to
create an opening 122 through deck assembly 100. Door assembly 120 is shown in
the preferred
embodiment as being constructed of a pair of doors 124, 126 which are
pivotally connected to
each other at pivots 128. In turn, door 124 is pivotally connected at pivots
(not shown) to outer
frame 110 of deck assembly 100. This structure creates a bi-fold door assembly
120 which may
easily be opened by grasping door 126 and pushing upward near pivots 128 while
also pushing
toward the front of outer frame 110, so as to simultaneously fold door
assembly 120 and slide it
to an open position.
22
CA 02549403 2006-05-08
After the user has climbed the ladder and placed the platform in a relatively
horizonta]
position for use, bi-fold door assembly 120 may be pivoted to an open position
to expose
opening 122 in deck assembly 100. As shown in FIG. 10, this will then perlnit
the user to further
climb ladder assembly 12, without having to climb around or over the side of
platform assembly
14. Deck assembly 100 of platform assembly 14 preferably has side deck
surfaces 123 that
extend outward from opening 122 to the sides of outer frame 110. These areas
allow the user to
climb ladder assembly 12 upward through opening 122, and to step onto deck
assembly 100 to
either side ot'opening122, The user then may close door assembly 120 to
complete the floor
surface of platform assembly 14.
Thus, deck assembly 100 may be pivotally connected to trolley 104 and held in
a use
position by one of the previously mentioned support elements 180, 280 or 380,
or the like. For
added safety and stability, afler deck assembly 100 is placed in a use
position, platform assembly
14 also may be separately connected to the tree T or other substantially
vertical columnar
structure such as a pole, by using another binding system which may, for
example, include using
hook receiving slots 116, shown in FIG. 7, on the sides of trolley frame 104
and an adjustable
length flexible assembly 80 comparable to that used to connect and bind ladder
assembly 12 to
tree T.
Seating may be employed with the ladder stand of the present invention in
various forms.
As seen in FIG. 15, a two person seat assembly 600 is shown located just above
platform
assembly 14. Seat assembly 600 has a pair of seat backs 602 and a pair of seat
bottoms 604. A
seat frame assembly 606 is used to join the seat backs 602 and the seat
bottoms 604, and to
connect the assembly to ladder assembly 12. Seat assembly 600 may be plugged
into rung holes
44 in ladder rung 32 with mounting pins (not shown), or otherwise removably
secured to ladder
23
CA 02549403 2006-05-08
assembly 12. Also, belt retractor 54' may be configured to provide two
independent fall arrest
belts 52' with connectors 53' for connection to the respective safety
harnesses of two users.
As simplified version of the preferred single person seat for the first
emboditnent is
shown in FIG. 20. The seat assembly 700 includes a back frame assembly 702
with a pair of
vertical rails 704 connected by a central horizontal rail 706, such as by
welding, and also
connected by a pair of horizontal rails 708, such as by at fasteners 710. Each
horizontal rai170$
has a pair of downward projecting pins 712 which are in vertically and
horizontally spaced
alignment to engage a pair of rung holes 44 in a pair of successive rungs 32.
A seat bottom
assembly 720 includes a pair of brackets 722 projecting rearwardly from rear
seat rail 724 and
being pivotally connected to back frame assembly 702 at pivots 726. Seat
bottom assembly 720
may be constructed in many ways to pravide a light weight, comfortable seat,
such as is shown
with webbing 728 strung between bottom side rails 730 which are connected to
rear seat rai1724,
and including a seat pad 732 and upstanding arm rests 734.
lt will be appreciated that seat assemblies may be constructed using suitable
materials,
such as steel tubing or the like, as well as webbing or pad materials, as
desired. Also,
connections between rails may be made by welding or use of fasteners, such as
bolts, or the like,
and attachment of webbing or pads may be by fasteners, adhesives or the like.
It will be appreciated that platform assembly 14 is one example of a
configuration that is
consistent with the invention, but that alteraative platform assembly
confignuations are possible.
For instance, another example is shown in FIG. 16 with a more simplified
schematic
representation of a trolley frame 540, and a deck assembly 500, which are
pivotally connected at
pivots 502 on a lower support rail of trolley frame 540. Thus, in this
configuration, deck
assembly 500 pivots downward to a use position. As such, deck assembly 500 may
be supported
24
CA 02549403 2006-05-08
by flexible tensile elements 580. Flexible elements 580 preferably would be
constructed with
lower cable portions 584, each connected to deck assembly 500 at a first end,
and then connected
at a second end to a turn buckle assembly 594, with the two turn buckle
assemblies 594 also
connected to each other by an intermediate cable portion 582. In the
embodiment shown,
intermediate cable portion 582 passes through an upper support rail 598 of
trolley frame 540. It
will be appreciated that trolley frame 540 is a schematic representation of a
basic portion of the
structure for a trolley assembly that may be adapted, as with aforementioned
trolley 104, to
engage a ladder assembly 12.
Alternative deck assembly 500 further presents potential alternative door
assemblies 518
and 520 which may be pivoted to cover an opening 522 through deck assembly
500. In this
embodiment, a first door 524 is preferably pivotally connected to an outer
frame 510 near the
rear of deck assembly 500, and is a primary door that permits the user to pass
through the
platform assembly while ascending laddcr assembly 12 after the platform
assembly positioned at
a desirable height. Once passing through door 524, the user could step to
either or both sides of
opening 522 while maneuvering to lower door 524. Second door 526 also is
preferably pivotally
connected to outer frame 510, but near the front of deck assennbly 500. Second
door 526 is
shown as a cover for an optional storage container 528. With this altemative
configuration,
flexible elements 580 merely bend and fold, creating an upward opening loop
when deck
assembly 500 is folded upward to be adjacent trolley frame 540.
With any of the afore-mentioned support element assemblies, it will be
appreciated that
the process may be reversed if it is desired to pivot deck assembly 100 or 500
back to a
substantially vertical position adjacent trolley frame 140 or 540,
respectively.
CA 02549403 2006-05-08
A further examplary embodiment is of a ladder stand 800 consistent with the
present
invention is shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. This embodiment includes a ladder
assembly 812 having
a single central vertical stile or ladder rail 830, which may be a single
section or a plurality of
sections joined such as by pins 838. Ladder assembly 812 further includes
ladder steps 832
connected to ladder rail 830 with fasteners 831, or such as by welding. Steps
832 have holes 844
on treads 836.
Ladder stand 800 also included a platform assembly 814, somewhat similar to
that of the
first embodiment and having a trolley assembly 804 and a deck assembly 900
pivotally
connected to trolley assembly 904 at pivots 902. Platform assembly 814
includes a sliding door
920 which defines an opening 922 in deck assembly 900. Trolley assembly
includes rollers 942
and a similar pivotal arm construction to the first embodiment for engaging a
roller track 933 on
each respective side of stile 830. Platform assembly 824 also includes
adjustable support
mechanisms 980 to hold decic assembly 900 at a desired angular position
relative to trolley
assembly 904.
As shown, ladder stand 800 also includes latching mechanisms 958 to be able to
hoist
platform assembly 814 along ladder assembly 812 and latch it into position at
a desired height by
engaging holes 844 in steps 832 with locking tabs 962. Ladder stand 800
further includes a belt
retractor 854 mounted to a stile cap 856, and a pulley 872 pivotally connected
to arms 874. Of
further note, ladder stand 800 is shown with an alternative connection
arrangement for seat
assembly 880. Seat assembly 880 is hung by latching hooks 882 which engage
step holes 844 in
a pair of laterally spaced steps 832.
Turning now to the method of assembling an exemplary ladder stand of the
present
invention. One will appreciate that the invention enables an individual user
to assemble and use
26
CA 02549403 2006-05-08
a ladder stand 10 adjacent a columnar structure, such as a tree or a pole, in
highly advantageous
ways. To assemble ladder stand 10, the user prepares a ladder assembly
adjacent a grormd
surface. The ladder assembly may be of a single section, or may include a
plurality of sections,
as shown in the preferred embodiment. With reference to the preferred
embodiment, the user
joins ladder sections, such as sections 16, 18 and 20, in an end to end manner
to form a ladder
assembly 12 having a plurality of tree engaging spacers 60. The user makes a
preliminary
sdjustment of spacers 60, to estimate the stand-off distance that ladder stand
10 should be placed
from the tree T for each spacer 60 along the length of laddcr assembly 12, The
user then raises
ladder assembly 12 by grasping the upper end and raising it further upward
while walking ladder
assembly 12 to an upright position adjacent and in contact with the tree T.
Once upright, the user engages a plurality of binding systems to bind ladder
assembly 12
to the tree T at two or more positions along ladder assembly 12. Spacers 60
may be readjusted
inward or outward by resetting pin 72 in respective adjustment apertures 70 in
arrns 64 as
needed to account for deviations in the trunk of tree T. The user initially
binds the lowest ladder
section 16 and then continues to bind ladder assembly 12 to tree T at
successively higher spacer
locations. In this way, the user is able to operate from a secure structure as
he moves upward,
and may place hooks 48 of safety lines 46 in rung holes 44 to ensure safety
from falling while
continuing to climb and bind successive spacers 60 of ladder assembly 12.
Safety lines 46
tethering the user's harness 42 to ladder assembly 12 permits the user to lean
back into harness
42 and thereby have the user's hands free to manipulate the binding systems 80
to rernovably
connect ladder assembly 12 to tree T.
After the user has bound ladder assembly 12 to tree T, the user installs
platform
assembly 14 to ladder assembly 12 by engaging trolley assembly 104 with
respective ladder
27
CA 02549403 2006-05-08
stiles 30. Note, however, as an option, the platform and trolley system could
be mounted to the
bottom-most ladder section when in a lowered position in a manner that is not
readily removable,
as opposed to being removable from ladder assembly 12.
With ladder assembly 12 connected to tree T, platform assembly 14 may be
raised using a
flexible element, such as rope 170, strung up and over pulley 172 attached to
the upper end of
ladder assembly 12 and running back down to be attached to trolley assembly
104 at one end,
while having the other end free to be grasped by the user. By pulling downward
on the free
section of rope 170, the user may raise platform assembly 14 and engage
trolley assembly 104
via rung lock mechanisms 158 at any desired rung height.
The user then climbs ladder assembly 112, pivots the deck assembly 100 of
platform
assembly 14 upward and into a relatively horizontal position and engages
support elements 180
to maintain the desired horizontal position. For added safety and stability,
after deck assembly
100 is placed in a use position, the user preferably separately binds platform
assembly 14 to the
tree T or other columnar structure using hook receiving slots 116 on the sides
of trolley frame
104. The user then slides door assembly 120 toward the forward edge of deck
assembly 100,
thereby exposing opening 122 in the platform. The user climbs ladder assembly
12 further and
steps through opening 122 and onto one or more of the side deck surfaces 123.
The user then
closes door assembly 120, and now is in a position to perform whatever
activity is desired on top
of the platform, whether it be hunting, performing maintenance, or otherwise.
While on top of the platform, the user may connect harness 42 to a belt
retractor 54 by
connecting retractable belt 52 to harness 42 with connector 53. Belt retractor
54 permits the user
to climb up and down ladder assembly 12 and move within a predetertnined
distance of the
retractor.
28
CA 02549403 2006-05-08
It will be appreciated that the user may alternatively build the ladder stand
10 from the
ground surface upward, one ladder section at a time. With the present
invention, each ladder
section may be securing bound to the columnar structure and the user may be
safely tethered to a
secured ladder section as the user lifts a fiuther ladder section into place,
atop the already
secured section. This procedure may be repeated until the desired ladder
assembly height is
attained, at which time the platform assembly may be connected and hoisted
into place,
following the remainder of the above-mentioned method of assembly to
completion.
29
